Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)
Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)

Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)

London Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
WSP

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead CDM and construction safety services on high-value projects, ensuring health and safety compliance.
  • Company: Join WSP, a global leader in engineering and consultancy with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to work on landmark projects.
  • Other info: Be part of a close-knit team dedicated to positive change and career growth.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of construction safety while making a real impact in your community.
  • Qualifications: Extensive experience in CDM roles and strong knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs? At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

We are seeking a Principal Consultant to lead the delivery of CDM and construction safety services across complex and high-value projects. This role is suited to an experienced professional who can operate with a high degree of autonomy, taking ownership of Principal Designer (PD) duties, leading engagement with clients and design teams, and ensuring robust management of health and safety risk throughout the project lifecycle. You will play a key role in shaping how CDM and construction safety is delivered across projects, with influence spanning RIBA Stages 2–5, and will contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the service offering.

In a typical week, you may be involved in:

  • Lead delivery of CDM Principal Designer duties across multiple projects
  • Take ownership of design risk management strategy, ensuring risks are identified, challenged and reduced through design
  • Chair and lead design risk workshops, coordination meetings and project reviews
  • Provide clear, authoritative advice to clients on their statutory duties under CDM and the Building Safety Act
  • Oversee and assure quality of key CDM deliverables, including:
  • Pre-Construction Information (PCI)
  • Design Risk Registers / Hazard Logs
  • Health and Safety Files (HSF)
  • Act as Principal Designer under the Building Safety Act where required
  • Influence design teams to drive practical and proportionate risk reduction
  • Manage project delivery in line with agreed scope, programme and commercial expectations
  • Support preparation of proposals, scopes and fee submissions
  • Contribute to development of internal standards, tools and best practice
  • Leadership & Responsibility

    You will be responsible for:

    • Leading CDM / PD delivery on projects or programmes
    • Acting as a key point of contact for clients, building and maintaining trusted relationships
    • Providing technical oversight and quality assurance across project outputs
    • Supporting and mentoring junior and senior consultants
    • Driving consistency and improvement in how services are delivered
    • Identifying opportunities for repeat work and service expansion

    We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate:

    • Extensive experience in a CDM / construction safety role, including leading PD appointments
    • Strong, demonstrable knowledge of CDM Regulations 2015 and their practical application
    • Experience undertaking or leading Principal Designer duties under the Building Safety Act
    • Strong understanding of design processes and RIBA stages, with the ability to influence design development
    • Proven ability to lead risk management discussions and challenge design decisions effectively
    • Experience managing multiple projects, priorities and client relationships
    • Commercial awareness, including understanding of scope, fees and delivery expectations
    • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

    Qualifications & Professional Memberships

    • Degree or equivalent in construction, engineering, health & safety or related field (or HNC/HND with significant relevant experience)
    • NEBOSH Construction Certificate (or equivalent) expected
    • Chartered or working towards Chartered membership of IOSH, APS or IIRSM

    Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all. Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world. With us, you can. Apply today.

    Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East) employer: WSP

    At WSP, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Principal Consultant in CDM and Construction Safety, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects while benefiting from extensive professional development and mentorship within a supportive team environment. Our London and South East location provides access to a vibrant network of industry experts, ensuring your career can flourish as you contribute to meaningful projects that shape communities.
    WSP

    Contact Detail:

    WSP Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Show off your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in CDM and construction safety. This will help you stand out during interviews and showcase your skills effectively.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how you can lead projects and manage risks, as that's what employers are keen to hear.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.

    We think you need these skills to ace Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)

    CDM Regulations 2015
    Principal Designer Duties
    Health and Safety Risk Management
    Design Risk Management Strategy
    Stakeholder Engagement
    Project Delivery Management
    Communication Skills
    Leadership Skills
    Technical Oversight
    RIBA Stages Understanding
    Risk Management Discussions
    Commercial Awareness
    Proposal Preparation
    Mentoring Skills
    NEBOSH Construction Certificate

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Principal Consultant role. Highlight your experience in CDM and construction safety, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and project management experience. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about CDM and construction safety, and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your expertise.

    Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact, like how you improved safety outcomes or led successful risk management workshops. We love numbers that tell a story!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!

    How to prepare for a job interview at WSP

    ✨Know Your CDM Inside Out

    Make sure you have a solid grasp of the CDM Regulations 2015 and the Building Safety Act. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these regulations in your previous roles, as this will show your expertise and confidence in handling Principal Designer duties.

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

    As a Principal Consultant, you'll need to lead design risk workshops and manage client relationships. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, and be ready to share how you influenced design decisions and drove risk management discussions.

    ✨Prepare for Technical Questions

    Expect questions that test your understanding of design processes and RIBA stages. Brush up on your knowledge of risk management strategies and be ready to explain how you would approach specific scenarios related to health and safety in construction.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness

    Understand the commercial aspects of project delivery, including scope, fees, and client expectations. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed multiple projects while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines, as this will highlight your ability to balance technical and business needs.

    Principal Consultant - CDM & Construction Safety (London and South East)
    WSP
    Location: London

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